Records Division

Acquiring Gun Permits and Licenses

The Records Division is responsible for processing all applications for Carrying Concealed Weapons permits, permit to purchase handguns and the registration of all handguns for the township residents of Kent County.

Purchase Permits

If you would like to apply for a permit to purchase a handgun and you are a township resident, you should report to any of the Sheriff’s Department Offices during the listed times. You will need a valid Michigan Driver’s License or a Michigan State I.D. with your current address to apply. There is a $5.00 notary fee for notary services applied to gun permits.

If you have already obtained your purchase permit and purchased your handgun you will need to make sure (2) copies (Agency copy and MSP copy) of the four part purchase permit are returned to the Kent County Sheriff’s Office within 10 days from the date you purchased your handgun. You are no longer required to bring your handgun into the Sheriff’s Office for a safety inspection. The handgun information will be entered into the computer based on the (2) copies of the purchase permit you have returned to the Sheriff’s Office. Once we have entered the appropriate information we will forward the MSP copy to their office.

Concealed Pistol License holders are required to use a Pistol Sales Record upon the purchase of their handgun. This form can be obtained from the Kent County Sheriff’s Office or from www.michigan.gov website. (Type in ‘pistol sales record’ or ‘RI-60’ in the advanced search box.) These should be filled on the (4) part form and distributed as follows: Seller, Purchaser, Local Agency and Michigan State Police. The local agency and the Michigan State Police copies must be returned to the Kent County Sheriff’s Office within 10 days from the date you purchased your handgun. You are no longer required to bring your handgun in to the Sheriff’s Office for a safety inspection. The handgun information will be entered into the computer based on the (2) copies of the pistol sales record you have returned to the Sheriff’s Office. Once we have entered the appropriate information we will forward the MSP copy to their office.

Concealed Pistol Permits (CPL)

The process for obtaining a concealed pistol permit starts by obtaining an informational packet from any police department or at the Kent County Clerks Office, 300 Monroe, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Read over the instructions carefully to make sure you have completed the necessary paperwork. Once the necessary documents have been completed, your first stop will be at the Kent County Clerks Office.

The Records clerk assigned to CPL permits will then start a very thorough background check. After the background check is completed the CPL packet will be forwarded to the Gun Board for approval. This entire process can take several months to complete.

There are a number of restrictions and rules for those being approved to carry a concealed weapon. A gun safety course must be completed and renewal of this permit is every five years. There is additional information regarding carrying a concealed weapon on the Michigan State Police website. Click on “Quick Links” for frequently asked questions or other links related to a CPL permit holder.